Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Ngày 3 Tháng Giêng - Lễ Kính tên Cực Trọng Đúc Chúa Giêsu.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Ngày 3 Tháng Giêng - Lễ Kính tên Cực Trọng Đúc Chúa Giêsu.
Qua đoạn Phúc Âm hôm nay, Thánh Gioan đã mang đến cho chúng ta môt suy nghĩ về con người của Chúa Giêsu trong cuộc sống của chúng ta. Chúa Giêsu là "Con Chiên" là vật hiến tế Thiên Chúa Cha cho chúng ta để cứu chúng ta khỏi tội lỗi và sự Ngài đã ban phép Rửa của Ngài cho chung ta chúng ta với ơn Chúa Thánh Thần. Ngài đến để mang chúng ta về cùng Chúa Cha, Và chúng ta, là những người con đã được chọn là con của Thiên Chúa. Thiên Chúa đã yêu thương chúng ta rất nhiều, nhiều đến nỗi Ngài đã ban cho chúng ta chính con của Ngài là Chúa Giêsu đến thế gian này để Cứu chúng ta và đưa chúng ta lên ngang hàng với Chúa. Ngài cũng còn ban Chúa Thánh Thần xuống để hướng dẫn chúng ta và ban ơn lành cho cuộc sống của chúng ta. Những nến tảng cụ thể nào là kinh nghiệm của riêng chúng ta "những người được chọn!" Nhưng chúng ta có thực sự để tâm đến tầm quan trọng này? Chúng ta có chấp nhận Chúa Giêsu là Đấng Cứu Độ của chúng ta và cho phép Chúa Thánh Thần hướng dẫn chúng ta? Chúng ta biết rằng nếu chúng ta chấp nhận điều này, thì nó sẽ biến đổi cuộc sống của chúng ta hoàn toàn và biến chúng ta thành người tôi tớ và là con chiên như chính Chúa Giêsu. Chúng ta đã sẵn sàngchưa, để chấp nhận và đón nhận sự thay đổi trong cuộc sống của chúng ta?
 
January 3:  John 1:29-34 
This very beautiful passage brings us to reflect on who Jesus is in our life. Jesus is our "Lamb" who saves us from sinfulness and who baptizes us with the Holy Spirit. - He comes to bring us back to the Father for we, too, are chosen daughters and sons of God. God loves us so much that he gave us Jesus to be our Savior... and his Spirit to guide us in our life. - What concrete way of experiencing our being "chosen ones!"
But do we really give importance to this? - Do we accept Jesus as our Savior and allow his Spirit to guide us? We know that if we accept this, it will turn our lives totally and lead us to become servants and lambs like Jesus himself. Are we ready to accept and embrace this change in our life?  Now we can ask the Lord to pour his Holy Spirit upon us to deepen our faith, hope, and love for God and for the plan he has for our life.
 
Jan 3, 2023
January 3, when before Epiphany
John testified further, saying, “I saw the Spirit come down like a dove from the sky and remain upon him. I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me, ‘On whomever you see the Spirit come down and remain, he is the one who will baptize with the Holy Spirit.’ Now I have seen and testified that he is the Son of God.” John 1:32–34
It’s interesting to note that in the Gospel of John, Saint John the Baptist never baptized Jesus, as is depicted in the Gospels of Matthew, Mark and Luke. Instead, in the Gospel of John, John the Baptist simply witnessed the descent of the Holy Spirit from a distance, and then spoke the quoted line above. The next day, the Baptist pointed to Jesus as the “Lamb of God,” and two of his own disciples left the Baptist to follow Jesus.
Why is there this apparent discrepancy between the Gospel of John and the three Synoptic Gospels? Though it’s hard to answer that for certain, one thing that is made uniquely clear in the Gospel of John is that the Baptist was given a unique spiritual knowledge by the Father that Jesus was the “Lamb of God.” In this Gospel, the revelation of Who Jesus was did not take place in a way that everyone present heard and saw. Rather, John’s Gospel focuses upon the interior realization that John the Baptist received from the One Who sent him. And the One Who sent him was the Father in Heaven.
One spiritual truth worth pondering from the account of the Gospel of John read today is that the conviction and certainty given to the Baptist about Jesus’ identity was so certain that he knew Who Jesus was beyond any shadow of a doubt. This personal revelation given to the Baptist changed his life. From that moment on, all he did was point people to Jesus.
As you ponder this spiritual revelation about Jesus that the Baptist received from the Father in Heaven, consider for yourself what would be more convincing. Would it be more convincing to hear an audible voice from Heaven declare Who Jesus was? Or to receive this same knowledge through an interior and spiritual communication from the Father? If you believe that the former, the external and audible voice, would be more convincing, then you might want to pause and think again. The truth is that God’s clearest and most certain form of communication to us is one that is internal. And even if there were an audible voice spoken from Heaven, as depicted in the Synoptic Gospels, that Voice would have to also be interiorly confirmed by faith in the hearts of the hearers so as to convince them on the deepest level.
Reflect, today, upon the spiritual truth that God the Father wants to speak to you in the depths of your own soul so as to draw you into a certainty about Himself and all that He has spoken as true. Do you hear God speak? Have you allowed yourself to be convinced by His Voice? Listen to Him today and allow all that He speaks to you to become the source and goal of all that you say and do in life.
Father in Heaven, You have revealed to me Who You are and Your plan for my life in many ways. And though You are always speaking to me, I acknowledge that I do not always listen. Please open my soul to You more fully so that I may come to faith and be certain of Your love and Your perfect will in my life. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Jan 3, 2023
Opening Prayer: Lord, you entrusted John the Baptist with a big job in your plan of salvation. Open my ears to hear his eyewitness testimony with a fresh perspective and let it penetrate my soul like never before.
Encountering Christ:
1.      It’s You!: When John the Baptist saw Jesus coming towards him, there was nothing in the Lord’s bearing that hinted at his divinity. Jesus’s ministry was still nascent. He hadn’t even assembled disciples yet. How did John the Baptist know to proclaim Jesus the “Lamb of God” and “the Son of God”? The Gospel passage tells us that the Spirit prepared John for this moment. “I did not know him, but the one who sent me to baptize with water told me…” The Lord walks into my life 100 times a day “disguised” as a friend, neighbor, or colleague. I will best recognize him and love him as he deserves to be loved when I’ve tapped into the Spirit beforehand. Prepare me, Lord, to encounter you often during this busy day as I spend these quiet moments praying.
2.      My Reason for Living: Modern psychologists would call John a self-actualized man. He knew his mission and purpose and applied his talents and skills to accomplish it. His life coach probably would have discovered that John had excellent moral intuition, a strong sense of realism, and a fearlessness of the unknown, as do self-actualized men today. But, because John drew his purpose from pleasing God and doing God’s will, John also became a saint. I want to imitate John and seek my fulfillment by recognizing that my primary purpose is to know, love, and serve God unwaveringly. I want to live Matthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom [of God] and his righteousness, and all these things will be given you besides.”
3.      God Knows Before We Do: The Lord told John the Baptist how to recognize him before he came to the river for his baptism. In the same way, the Spirit sometimes prepares us during prayer for future blessings or trials. Twenty years ago, I arrived home from my first-weekend retreat to the news that my mother had cancer. She died shortly thereafter. I continue to thank the Lord for the blessing of having gotten to know him so intimately just before this trial entered our lives.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, the best moments of my day are when you make your presence known to me in one of a thousand ways. Thank you for meeting me in my little reality. I praise you with a heart full of gratitude.
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will actively look for you, listen to what you ask me to do through the messengers I meet, and act promptly, whether I’m asked to do something small and invisible or something that costs me.
 

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Suy Niệm Phúc âm Lễ Kính tên Cực Trọng Đúc Chúa Giêsu.
John 1:29-34 (Jan 3, 2018)
Trong Phúc âm hôm nay cho chúng ta thấy, thánh Gioan Tẩy giả đã nhận biết được Chúa Giêsu là con Thiên Chúa khi vừa mới nhìn thấy Chúa. Có gì đăc biệt mà Gioan đã nhận ra Chúa Giêsu?. Có lẽ câu trả lời nằm trong bài đọc thứ Nhất hôm nay. Nếu chúng đạt niềm hy vọng vào Thiên Chúa, thì Ngài sẽ cho chúng ta làm con cái của Ngài. Nếu chúng ta để Chúa đến và ở lại trong chúng ta, thì chúng ta sẽ được thanh tẩy thanh sạch gống như thiên Chúa và chúng ta sẽ có thể vượt qua mọi tội lỗi và xa tránh được những điều gian ác. Bài đọc thứ nhất cũng nhắc nhở chúng hãy nên phản ánh và kiểm tra những động lực và hành động của chúng ta trong cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta. Chúng ta cần phải có những gì để thúc đẩy chúng ta sống cho Thiên Chúa, cho người khác và cho chính chúng ta khộng?
 

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Ngày 2/1

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Thứ Hai Ngày 2/1
Nhiều người trong chúng ta ai cũng muốn chọn cho mình con đường thành công nên họ đã phải luôn nghĩ đến sự thành công thành công và tìm mọi cách để đạt tới sự thàng công trong học trường hay trong công việc, Vì sự thành công đó tích lũy được rất nhiều tiền, và có nhiều thế lực. Nhưng ngược lại, Thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả đã dạy chúng ta, "Hãy chuẩn bị đường cho Chúa, san lấp và làm thẳng mặt đường cho Chúa đi." Điều này, do đó, phải là mục đích chính của chúng ta trong cuộc sống.
Qua bài đọc một cho chúng ta thấy là Những tiên tri giả xuất hiện đang chỉ cho chúng ta biết là trọng tâm chính của họ là cái Tôi,, hay họ chỉ muốn đặt bản thân của họ, gia đình họ , hay bạn bè của họ trước những người khác và chỉ nghĩ đến họ trước khi họ nghĩ đến người khác.
Còn Thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả đã bỏ nhà và gia đình để sống trong sa mạc như một ẩn sĩ, không nghĩ đến sự thoải mái, tiên nghi của riêng mình. Chúa Giêsu cũng ra đi bỏ lại Đức Maria, mẹ của ngài  một mình ở quê nhà để rao giảng Nước Thiên Chúa cho tất cả mọi người, Ngài đã làm trong sự vâng phục Chúa Cha của Ngàu trên trời. Sống giữa Giái Hội của chúng ta ngày nay, chng ta vẫn còn thấy một số tiên tri giả trong số chúng ta, những người này luôn nghĩ và tin rằng các quy luật của Giáo Hội hôm nay đã lỗi thời, và chúng ta có thể châm chước, bỏ qua một số quy tắc của luật Chúa hay luật của giáo hội để cho hợp điều kiện hay cuộc sống của xã hội hôm tại. Vì Giáo Luật của Chúa quá khắt khe với những điều mà chúng ta muốn, họ cho rằng giáo lý của Thiên Chúa quá khát khe và đã xâm phạm quyền tự do của con người họ hôm nay? . Những sai lầm này đang được trình bày ra đây là sự thật. Trong Giáo Hội sơ khai, các Kitô hữu cũng đã phải đương đầu đấu tranh với những lời giáo huấn đó.
            Chúng ta nên biết rằng con đường nên thánh thì rất khó khăn và đầy thử thách, nhưng con đường hẹp này sẽ dẫn chúng ta đến hạnh phúc thật sự và cuộc sống đời đời. Thánh Gioan Tẩy giả đã hướng dẫn các tông đồ của mình đến với Chúa Giêsu. Bây giờ, ông vẫn còn tiếp tục dẫn dắt chúng ta đến với Chúa Giêsu qua lời dạy của Ngài. Nếu chúng ta đã khám phá ra Chúa Giêsu trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, chúng ta phải bỏ lại tất cả mọi thứ phía đằng sau và phải biết tập trung  đôi mắt của chúng ta hướng về Chúa Kitô, là  Đấng sẽ dẫn dắt chúng ta vào trong cuộc hành trình về đức tin của chúng ta .
 
 Reflection
      There are many false prophets in the world. One tells us to go for success always– success in school, in work, in accumulating a lot of money, in having power, etc. In contrast, St. John the Baptist says, "Prepare a way for the Lord, make straight his paths." This, therefore, should be our main purpose in life. Another false prophet tells us always to put oneself, one's family, one's friends before strangers or the poor. However, St. John left his house and family to live in the desert as a hermit, not thinking of his own comfort. Jesus also left his mother to be an itinerant missionary proclaiming the kingdom of God to everyone. This he did in obedience to his Father in heaven. Still another false prophet tells us that the laws of the Church are antiquated, and that we can bend some of her rules and disregard some of her teachings which seem to encroach on our freedom. These falsehoods are being presented to us as truths. In the early Church, the Christians had to contend with such teachings.
                 We know that the path to holiness is full of trials and hardships, but this narrow path leads to true happiness, to eternal life. St. John led the apostles to Jesus. Now, he continues to lead us to Jesus through his teachings. If we have discovered Jesus in our lives, we must put everything else behind, or in second place. We should keep our eyes focused on him who leads us in our journey of faith.
 
January 2, 2023 -John 1: 19-28
“I baptize with water; but there is one among you whom you do not recognize, the one who is coming after me, whose sandal strap I am not worthy to untie.”  John 1:26–27
Now that our Christmas Octave is completed, we immediately begin to look toward the future ministry of our Lord. In our Gospel today, Saint John the Baptist is the one who points us to that future ministry of Jesus. He acknowledges his mission to baptize with water is one that is temporary and only a preparation for the One Who is coming after him.
As we saw in several of our Advent readings, Saint John the Baptist is a man of great humility. His admission that he is not worthy to untie even Jesus’ sandal straps is proof of this fact. But ironically, it is this humble admission that makes him so great!
Do you want to be great? Deep down we all do. This desire goes hand in hand with our innate desire for happiness. We want our lives to have meaning and purpose, and we want to make a difference. The question is “How?” How do you do this? How do you achieve true greatness?
From a worldly perspective, greatness can often become synonymous with success, riches, power, admiration from others, etc. But from a divine perspective, greatness is achieved by humbly giving God the greatest glory we can with our lives.
Giving God all the glory has a double effect upon our lives. First, doing so allows us to live in accord with the truth of life. The truth is that God and God alone deserves all our praise and glory. All good things come from God and God alone. Second, humbly giving God all the glory and pointing to the fact that we are unworthy of Him has the reciprocal effect of God reaching down and elevating us to share in His life and His glory.
Reflect, today, upon your calling to imitate the humility of Saint John the Baptist. Never shy away from humbling yourself before the greatness and glory of God. Doing so will not demean you or hamper your greatness. Rather, only in the deepest humility before the glory of God is God able to draw you into the greatness of His very life and mission.
Lord, I give all glory and praise to You and You alone. You are the source of all good; without You I am nothing. Help me to continually humble myself before You so that I may share in the glory and greatness of Your life of grace. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
January 2, 2023 -John 1: 19-28 (2023)
Opening Prayer:
 Lord, transport me to Bethany across the Jordan as I reflect on this prophecy of John the Baptist. 
Encountering Christ:
1.      “Who Are You?”: When John the Baptist was asked this question by the Jews from Jerusalem, he knew how to answer. He told them who he was NOT! He was not the Messiah, not Elijah, not a prophet. Do we know who we are NOT? Of course, we know we’re not God, right? But isn’t that exactly how we act when we take on difficult circumstances without praying first? Or judge someone offhandedly? Or put our agenda before the person’s standing in front of us? Lord, you told Saint Catherine of Siena, “You are she is not; whereas I am he who is.” I am nothing and can do nothing without God (John 15:5).
2.      Who Are You?: “I am a voice of one crying out in the desert...” John the Baptist chose to identify himself to his inquisitors by stating his mission. How would you respond? “I’m the person riding the subway with ashes on my forehead. I am the one quietly saying the rosary on the plane. I am the shopper smiling at strangers in the store for love of you.” In our own way, each of us is called to be a missionary to this modern desert of contemporary society. Our mission is an essential aspect of our identity as Christians: “The missionary who, despite all his or her human limitations and defects, lives a simple life, taking Christ as the model, is a sign of God and of transcendent realities….everyone in the Church, striving to imitate the Divine Master, can and must bear this kind of witness; in many cases, it is the only possible way of being a missionary.” Saint John Paul II, Redemptoris Missio.
3.      The Greatest: John the Baptist was the greatest among those born to women, Jesus told his disciples in Matthew 11:11, “yet the least in the kingdom of heaven is greater than he…” Like John, Saints Basil and Gregory, whose feast we celebrate today, were truly great men: best friends, bishops, and doctors of the Church. Saint Gregory said of their friendship, “...our great pursuit, the great name we wanted, was to be Christians, to be called Christians.” He said that the two friends had a single objective: “virtue, and a life of hope in the blessings that are to come…” We were all born to be great (i.e., saints in heaven), whether we’re locust-eating preachers, bishop besties, or ordinary twenty-first-century Catholics.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, greatness is nothing more than personal holiness, which leads to sainthood. Help me, Lord, to know and fulfill my mission, whether I am witnessing, like John the Baptist, or striving to be a good friend, in imitation of Saints Gregory and Basil.  
Resolution: Lord, today, by your grace, I will... reflect on my most fruitful friendships. How do they bring me closer to you? I will make an earnest effort to incorporate faith into a conversation with a friend.
 
January 2, 2018 -John 1: 19-28
The Power of Humility.
In this reading, John the Baptist demonstrates the attitude fundamental to making Christ known: humility. John the Baptist had the chance to be considered the Messiah, the Christ. True, eventually the deception would become known, but for a while, he could have had all of Israel at his feet. All too often today, people give in to temptation and compromise their principles to get glory and power for a day — think of businessmen who inflate their company’s profits, or scientists who fake their results. Their inevitable downfall is tragic. St. John the Baptist knows that the only way he can serve God and fulfill his mission in life is to direct all glory to God and none to himself, never presuming to be more than he is. We, too, can live as true Christians and make Jesus present to others only if we put aside our pride and vanity.
What makes John the Baptist’s message effective is that he doesn’t just preach his message; he is his message. He preaches penance, but first, he lives it, going out into the desert and living an ascetic life. He baptizes with water, but first, he gets into the water. If we want to make Jesus known to others, we first have to know him ourselves. We cannot preach the essence of the Gospel, the message of love, if we don’t live love in our daily lives. We can’t criticize, judge others, and always “look out for number one” (where “one” is ourselves) and still hope to be an effective apostle of Christ. However, if with the help of God’s grace, we do our best to put love into action, then words will hardly be necessary. Our example alone will change people’s lives.
Conversation with Christ: Lord, when I look at myself and my life, I see that too often I have been selfish, focused on what I enjoy and on what I want. Help me to love you above all things. Help me want to make you known by living love, even at the cost of my pride and comfort.\

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ Kính Lễ Ðức Maria Mẹ Thiên Chúa- Jan 01, 2023

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Lễ Kính Lễ Ðức Maria Mẹ Thiên Chúa

Bài Tin Mừng hôm nay cho chúng ta thấy Các thiên thần đã hiện ra với các mục đồng khi họ đang bận rộn với công việc và trách nhiệm hàng ngày của họ. Chính tại nơi hoang vu này, họ đã nhận được sứ mệnh Chúa giao phó cho họ và họ sẵn sàng đáp lại lời mời gọi của các thiên thần một cách hăng say và vội vàng. Chúng ta cũng vậy, chúng ta cũng được Chúa kêu gọi tìm kiếm Chúa trong thực tại ngay trong của cuộc sống hàng ngày của chúng ta và chúng ta cũng phải vội vàng đáp lại những gì Ngài muốn ở nơi chúng ta!

    Mặc dù những giây phút cầu nguyện của chúng ta là tập trung vào điều cần thiết cho sự kết hợp chúng ta với Đấng Cứu thế, nhưng trách nhiệm trong cuộc sống của chúng ta không phải là sự trở ngại cho sự kết hợp đó mà là những phương tiện giúp chúng ta ngày càng đến gần hơn với Chúa hơn nếu chúng ta ý thức được sự hiện diện của Chúa trong những việc chúng ta làm, trong những trách nhiệm của cuộc sống và sự đáp lại những lời soi dẫn của Chúa Thánh Thần.

    Phản ứng của những người mục đồng, những người chăn chiên đối với những lời loan báo của các thiên thần đã khiến họ đến trực diện mặt đối mặt với Thánh Gia- Mẹ Maria, Thánh Giuse và Chúa Hài Nhi. Họ gặp gỡ Thiên Chúa qua sự vâng phục Thiên Chúa qua lời truyền báo của các Thiên Thần. Tuy nhiên, với họ cho dù đã được trải nghiệm này vẫn chưa đủ; và họ đã ra đi chia sẻ Tin vui này đến với những người khác. Và khi họ loan báo tin vui này thì tất cả những ai nghe thấy đều kinh ngạc và vui mừng. Cũng giống như thế, chúng ta được mời gọi chia sẻ kinh nghiệm của chúng ta về Chúa. Cho dù điều quan trọng là chúng ta có thể chia sẻ Tin Mừng và lẽ thật của đức tin, nhưng điều quan trọng hơn là chúng ta phải chia sẻ kiến thức cá nhân của chúng ta về Thiên Chúa của chúng ta. Chúng ta cần chia sẻ những gì Thiên Chúa đã thực hiện trong cuộc sống của chúng ta, qua cách chúng ta sống nghe Lời Ngài nói với chúng ta và qua những niềm vui mà chúng ta có đươc trong hành trình theo Chúa.

Trong Lễ Truyền Tin, Đức Maria đã được cho biết tên của hài nhi mà Mẹ sẽ cưu mang, và đây là tên mà Ngài nhận được khi chịu phép cắt bì, dấu chỉ giao ước của Israel với Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta được tạo ra, được biết đến và được yêu thương bởi Thiên Chúa là Cha trên Trời một cách cá nhân riêng biệt, và Thiên Chúa biết đến từng người một như Ngài đã gọi tên riêng của mỗi người chúng ta (xem Thanh vịnh 139, Isaiah 43: 1, Gioan 10: 3, CCC 2158).

    Qua Phép Rửa, chúng ta được kết hợp với Thiên Chúa trong Giao Ước Mới. Nhờ Giao Ước mới này mà chúng ta được kết hợp vào Hội thánh và trở thành chi thể trong một thân thể của Chúa Kitô, Đấng Cứu chuộc chúng ta, và Chúa ban cho mỗi người chúng ta được quyền và trách nhiệm tham gia vào sứ mệnh cứu độ của Ngài là “ các người hãy đi thâu nạp môn đồ khắp muôn dân, thanh tẩy chúng nhân danh Cha và Con và Thánh Thần, Dạy chúng giữ hết mọi điều Ta đã truyền cho các ngươi…” (Mt 28:19-20 , CCC 900).

    Lạy Chúa Giêsu, chúng con xin khiêm tốn hạ mình trước tình yêu của Chúa dành cho chúng con và sự tin cậy của Chúa nơi chúng con. Chúa muốn chúng con tham gia vào sứ mệnh của Giáo hội và của Chúa là mang Tin mừng, và tình yêu của Chúa đến với thế giới ngày nay, trước hết là đem Chúa đến trong gia đình của chúng con và đêm Chúa đến với nhữg người khác qua việc tiếp cận với những người chung quanh. Lạy Chúa, không phải lúc nào chúng con cũng có thể dễ dàng nói về sự hiện diện của Chúa trong cuộc đời chúng con. Xin Chúa hãy giúp ban cho chúng con có lòng can đảm để chúng con dám chia sẻ tình yêu của Chúa và hành trình đức tin của chúng con với những người khác. Xin Chúa giúp chúng con biết yêu mến Chúa sâu đậm hơn và cho tình yêu Chúa trong chúng con được lớn lên trong sự kết hợp với Chúa nhiều hơn mỗi ngày. Và Xin Chúa làm cho cuộc sống của chúng con trở thành ánh sáng cho những người xung quanh của chúng con.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God

Mother Mary, I come to my prayer time on this solemnity dedicated to you as the Holy Mother of God with gratitude for your fiat. It was through your “yes” that our Lord came into the world as true God and true man. Lord Jesus, thank you for sharing our experience of life and showing us the Father’s love through your Incarnation. You show us that you are in the midst of the demands and realities of daily life. Jesus, in this prayer time, I turn to you with faith in your love for me, with hope in your goodness and care for me, and with love in response to your great love.

Encountering Christ:

1. In Haste: The angels appeared to the shepherds in the midst of their daily responsibilities. It was here that they received their God-given mission and responded to it with haste. We, too, are called to find God in the realities of our daily lives and respond to what he asks of us—with haste! While our moments of focused prayer are essential to our union with Christ, the responsibilities of our lives are not obstacles to that union but rather are means to growing closer to Christ if we are aware of his presence in them and respond to his inspirations.

    2. All Were Amazed: The shepherds’ response to the message of the angels brought them face-to-face with the Holy Family. They encountered God through their obedience to what had been asked of them. However, it wasn’t enough that they had this experience; they had to share it with others. And when they made the message known, all who heard it were amazed. Likewise, we are called to share our experience of the Lord. While it is important that we are able to share the truths of the faith, it is also important that we share our personal knowledge of our Lord. We need to share what God has done in our lives, how we hear him speak to us, and the joy we find in following him.

3. He Was Named Jesus: In the Annunciation, Mary was told the name of the baby she would bear, and this is the name he received at his circumcision, the sign of the covenant of Israel with God. We are created, known, and loved individually and personally by God, and he calls us each by name (cf. Psalm 139, Isaiah 43:1, John 10:3, CCC 2158). Our Baptism unites us to the New Covenant. It makes us members of Christ’s body, incorporates us into the Church, and gives each of us both the right and the responsibility of participating in the saving mission of the Church: “Go, therefore, to all nations…”             (Matthew 28:19, CCC 900).

Conversing with Christ: Jesus, I am humbled by your love for me and your trust in me. You want me to participate in the mission of your Church, bringing the Good News of your love to today’s world, first within my family but also by reaching out to others. Lord, it isn’t always easy to speak of your presence in my life. Give me the courage to be able to share the story of my faith journey with others. Help me to love you more deeply and grow in greater union with you each day. Make my life a light to those around me.

    Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will find an opportunity to share something of your action in my life with someone.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God 2023

And Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. Luke 2:19

Today, January 1, we complete our octave celebration of Christmas Day. It’s an often-overlooked liturgical fact that we celebrate Christmas Day for eight straight days. We do this also with Easter Day, which concludes with the great celebration of Divine Mercy Sunday.

On this, the eighth day of the Octave of Christmas, we turn our focus to the unique and beautiful fact that God chose to enter our world through a human mother. Mary is called the “Mother of God” for the simple fact that her Son is God. She was not the mother of her Son’s flesh alone, nor the mother only of His human nature. This is because the Person of Jesus, the Son of God, is one Person. And that one Person took on flesh within the womb of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

Though becoming the Mother of God was a pure gift from Heaven and not something that Mother Mary merited on her own, there was one particular quality that she had that made her uniquely qualified to fulfill this role. That quality was her immaculate nature.

First, Mother Mary was preserved from all sin when she was conceived within the womb of her mother, Saint Anne. This special grace was a grace that was imparted to her from the future life, death and resurrection of her Son. It was the grace of salvation, but God chose to take that gift of grace and transcend time to impart it to her at the moment of her conception, thus making her the perfect and pure instrument necessary to bring forth God into the world.

Second, Mother Mary remained faithful to this gift of grace throughout her life, never choosing to sin, never wavering, never turning from God. She remained immaculate throughout her life. Interestingly, it is this choice of hers, to forever remain obedient to the will of God in every way, that makes her more fully the Mother of God than the simple act of bearing Him within her womb. Her act of perfect unity with the will of God throughout her life makes her, also, the perfect mother of divine grace and mercy and perpetually the spiritual Mother of God, continually and perfectly bringing Him into our world.

Reflect, today, upon these most solemn mysteries of our faith. This eighth day of the Octave of Christmas is a solemn celebration, a celebration worthy of our pondering. The Scripture above reveals not only how our blessed Mother approached this mystery but also how we are to approach it. She “kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart.” Ponder these mysteries, also, in your own heart and allow the grace of this holy celebration to fill you with joy and gratitude.

Dearest Mother Mary, you were graced with a grace beyond any other. You were preserved from all sin and remained perfectly obedient to the will of God throughout your life. As a result, you became the perfect instrument of the Savior of the World by becoming His mother, the Mother of God. Pray for me that I may ponder this great mystery of our faith this day and ever more deeply rejoice in the incomprehensible beauty of your motherly soul. Mother Mary, the Mother of God, pray for us. Jesus, I trust in You.

Solemnity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, the Mother of God 2023

Introductory Prayer: Lord, you are my friend, my Father, and my protector. I come to you on this new day confident in your presence. I renew my love for you, trusting in your guiding hand.

Petition: Lord, I want to hear the angels sing. Help me learn to listen.

1. Sometimes We Need a Little Help: Would the shepherds have been impressed to find Mary, Joseph, and the child Jesus if the angels had not explained what was happening? They would have just thought it was a poor, vagabond family—unimpressive and unassuming like their own lives as shepherds. Yet the angels opened them to a reality that they would never have imagined or perceived. In my life, God has also sent me angels who help me discover him: the faith of a parent or grandparent, the sweet, innocent faith of a child, the good example of a friend, a teacher, a priest or a nun, the example of our Holy Father. Mary also teaches me to discover God in her Son. Do I thank God for these angels that he has sent me? Do I follow their advice and look for Christ in the simple, ordinary circumstances of my life?

2. Hints of a New Song: In a symphony, the first movement only hints at the central theme. Mary had first heard this theme from the angel Gabriel. Now the shepherds take up this theme—the hymn of the angels—and even though the shepherds play their part with great enthusiasm, it probably makes very little noise outside the little town of Bethlehem. Yet the song had begun, and it would grow to a crescendo as Christ lived out his mission. History unfolds God’s mysterious plan of salvation. I am part of that history, of that symphony. Do I do my best to continue Mary’s song, God’s song, by living my commitments and taking part in apostolate?

3. And His Name Shall Be “God Saves”: Mary and Joseph take up the hymn. They know the secret: this child will save Israel and will save all mankind. They begin to explain to the world, using an ancient name, Joshua (Yeshua), a name that now becomes not just a promise but a person. This is God’s new name. This is Our God: God Saves. He is not merely a God who is the source of everything. Our God is intimately committed to us, and he puts himself “in the line of fire” to save us. Man had suspected that God was Creator, and the Jews had received the surprise of his friendship, but neither Gentile nor Jew dreamed that God was also this type of love. Do I dare to dream of God’s goodness? Do I let Christ give me peace and hope in the midst of this despairing world?

Conversation with Christ: Lord, I have heard something new today. You remind me this Christmas that it is time for a new song, a song of confidence and hope. Mary teaches me this song, this good news. I want to bring this good news more deeply into my life. I know that you are helping me to discover you more each day. Help me also discover you to others.

Resolution: In Mary’s presence, I will strive to “sing this new song” (the Christian virtue I have determined to cultivate) today by making a special effort in one aspect of living this virtue.

Suy Niệm: Luca 2:16-21 (Lễ Mẹ là Mẹ Thiên Chúa.)

Hôm nay chúng ta Mừng lễ Mẹ là mẹ Thiên Chúa, Khi tưởng nhớ đến Đức Maria là chúng ta ghi nhớ đến những hồng ân của Thiên Chúa , Vì Thiên Chúa đã làm biết bao việc kỳ diệu tuyệt vời cho những con người thấp hèn, khiêm tốn, với tấm lòng đơn sơ. Vậy hôm nay chúng ta mừng lễ Đức Mẹ là Mẹ Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta cần phải tự hỏi: Làm thế nào mà Đức Maria nhận được một vinh dự như vậy? Trong thư Thánh Phaolô gửi tín hữu Galatians đã hé mở cho chúng ta thấy. Như chúng ta đã được biết, "Thiên Chúa đã sai Con một của Ngài xuống thế gian và được sinh ra bởi một người nữ, theo quy định của luật định thế gian ..." Không có gì đặc biệt về "người nữ." Nhưng đấy không phải là cái nhìn sâu sắc quan trọng vào các ân sủng của Thiên Chúa với Mẹ Maria và mỗi người chúng ta? Thiên Chúa thực hiện việc làm của Ngài qua con người bình thường đơn sơ của thế gian này để biểu sự hiện kỳ diệu của Ngài. Qua cuộc sống đầy đức tin đơn sơ của Mẹ Maria đã có, mỗi người chúng ta, hãy chia sẻ và hy vọng trong vinh quang. Khi chúng ta chào hỏi nhau "Happy New Year!" Giáo Hội Mẹ đòi hỏi chúng ta tôn vinh Mẹ Thiên Chúa. Một trong nhiều lý do tốt để tôn vinh Mẹ Maria hôm nay là chúng ta rất vui mừng hồ hởi bởi vì chúng ta đang bắt đầu một năm mới của cuộc sống, Và ai là người xứng đáng được gọi là Mẹ của sự sống hơn là Mẹ Thiên Chúa? Mẹ Maria đã cho Chúa Giêsu môt cuộc sống con người bình thường, như Chúa Giêsu nói: "Ta đến để họ (con người) có thể có sự sống, và có nmột cuộc sống thật đầy đủ" Một cuộc sống thể chất tốt đẹp, thì sẽ có một cuộc sống tinh thần tốt đẹp hơn, đó là điều sẽ làm cho mọi người chúng ta đưọc hạnh phúc trong năm mới này! God bless you in the coming new year.

REFLECTION : Luke 2:16-21

To remember Mary is to remember the God of grace, who does great things for the lowly, the humble, and the simple-hearted. Yet today we proclaim Mary as the Mother of God. We need to ask ourselves: How did Mary get such an honor? St. Paul's letter to the Galatians provides a clue. We are told, "God sent forth his Son born of a woman, born under the law..." Nothing very special about "the woman." But isn't that the key insight into God's ways of grace with Mary and each of us? God works through the simple ordinary people of the world to manifest his wonders. Through the simple faith-filled life of Mary we have, each of us, a share in and a hope of glory. As we greet one another "Happy New Year!" Mother Church asks us to honor the Mother of God. One of the many good reasons for honoring Mary today is that we are happy because we are beginning a new year of life. And who deserves to be called the Mother of Life more than the Mother of God? She gave human life to Jesus who said: "I came that they may have life, and have it to the fullest." A better physical life, a better spiritual life - that will make everyone happy in this NEW YEAR!

REFLECTION 2018

January first used to be celebrated as the Octave Day of Christmas and the

Circumcision and Naming of Jesus. The celebration has been changed to the Solemnity of Mary, the Mother of God., the principal and most important title and role of the Blessed Virgin Mary. "Mother of God" is the literal translation of Mater Dei in Latin and Theotokos in Greek, the "Bearer of God," which was defined at the Council of Ephesus in 431.

The Gospel reading still celebrates the circumcision and naming of Jesus in accordance with Jewish law and custom: truly God, he was also truly man and subjected himself to all the usual conventions and practices of man, except that he was sinless. Made man through Mary by the power of the Holy Spirit, Jesus is the redeemer of the world.

Celebrating Jesus and Mary at the beginning of each year, we are reminded to dedicate the whole year to the Lord, realizing that each one of us in our own and specific way is tasked to be a "bearer of God." We are tasked to bring Christ to everyone and to everything in our lives, to our families, friends and work associates, to those who have lost their longing for God, to those who have been alienated from God -that each one of them may find and recognize God's presence in the world.

Through this celebration the Church challenges and encourages us to pray for the Lord's Holy Spirit to enable us to be earnest bearers of goodness, hope and love, bearers of Christ to one another. May Mary, Mother of God and our blessed Mother, who pondered all these mysteries in her heart, inspire and guide us today and throughout the coming year.

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Dec 31-Ngày thứ 7 Tuần Bát Nhật Giáng Sinh (31/12)

Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Dec 31-Ngày thứ 7 Tuần Bát Nhật Giáng Sinh (31/12)
Trong khi chúng ta đang sống với ngày cuối cùng của một năm, chúng ta cần nên nghe lại Tin Mừng của John nới về sự hiện diện của Chúa Giêsu. Chúa Giêsu chính là Lời của Thiên Chúa đã mang ánh sáng vào bóng tối của thế giới chúng ta. Chúng ta đã và đang thấy những bóng tối trong những ngày chúng ta đang sống đây và chúng ta có thể lo sợ rằng những bóng tối này sẽ càng ngày càng lan rộng lớn to hơn trước. Nhưng Lời Chúa là "một ánh sáng tỏa sáng trong bóng tối, một ánh sáng mà bóng tối không thể chế ngự được".
            Bài đọc thứ Nhất hôm nay Thánh Gioan nhắc nhở người Do Thái và chúng ta "những người phản Chúa Kitô đã xuất hiện." Đây chính là tất cả các hành động của sự tham lam, lạm quyền, tham nhũng, ghen tương và tất cả những hành động của sự bất công và bóc lột người khác.
            Những hành động này không những chỉ là mối đe dọa cho xã hội, nhưng chúng còn luôn ở bên chúng ta và đang làm “ô nhiễm” cuộc sống tâm linh mỗi người chúng ta. Nhưng, nhờ qua phép rửa mà chúng ta đã được kết hợp với Chúa Kitô, qua Chúa Kitô, chúng ta đã được ưu đãi bằng ân sủng trong Chúa Thánh Thần.  Qua Phép Rửa, chúng ta  cũng như Thánh Gioan Tẩy Giả đã được mời gọi để làm chứng nhân cho  Sự Sáng và đem niềm hy vọng và lòng tự tin đến với những người đang sống trong bóng tối và sự sợ hãi. Cũng giống như Thánh Gioan đã nói với chúng ta là: tình yêu thật sự sẽ xua tan tất cả những sự sợ hãi của chúng ta.
            Lạy Chúa Cha Toàn năng, xin  giúp chúng con được chia sẻ hoàn toàn  cuộc sống của của chúng con trong Chúa Giêsu, Chúa của chúng con, vì nhờ Ngài, đã đem ơn cứu độ của Ngài đến cho chúng con.
 
Reflection Dec 31, 2106 SG
As we come to the end of another year, we need to hear John's message about Jesus the Word bringing light into the darkness of our world. We have seen much darkness in recent days and we fear that there may be even greater darkness ahead. But the Word is “a light that shines in the dark, a light that darkness cannot overpower”. As the first reading reminds us “several antichrists have already appeared.” These are all the agents of greed and corruption, agents of injustice and exploitation.
            These are not just faraway threats. They have always been with us and each one of us is tainted with them. But, through our baptism and our incorporation into Christ, we have been endowed with the grace and truth that come to us through Him. We are called, like John the Baptist, to be witnesses of light bringing hope and confidence among those who live in fear and darkness. As John tells us elsewhere, true love casts out all our fear.  Father, help us to share fully in the life of Jesus our Lord, for through Him, comes the salvation that all are searching for.
 
Dec 31, 2022 Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas, December 31
What came to be through him was life, and this life was the light of the human race; the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.  John 1:3–5
What a great image for meditation: “…the light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” This line completes the unique approach taken by John’s Gospel to introduce Jesus, the Eternal “Word” Who existed from the beginning and through Whom all things came to be.
Though there is much to meditate on in the first five lines of John’s Gospel, let’s consider that ending line about light and darkness. Within the material world, there is much we can learn about our Divine Lord from the physical phenomenon of light and darkness. If we briefly consider light and darkness from the perspective of physics, we know that the two are not two opposing forces fighting with each other. Rather, darkness is simply the absence of light. Where there is no light, there is darkness. Similarly, heat and cold are the same way. Cold is nothing other than the absence of heat. Introduce heat and the cold disappears.
These basic laws of the physical world also teach us about the spiritual world. Darkness, or evil, is not some powerful force fighting against God; rather, it’s the absence of God. Satan and his demons do not try to impose a dark power of evil on us; rather, they seek to extinguish the presence of God in our lives by getting us to reject God through our choices, thus leaving us in spiritual darkness.
This is a very significant spiritual truth to understand, because where there is spiritual Light, the Light of God’s grace, the darkness of evil is dispelled. This is clearly seen in the line “and the darkness has not overcome it.” Overcoming the evil one is as easy as inviting the Light of Christ into our lives and not allowing fear or sin to turn us from the Light.
Reflect, today, upon the very real spiritual battle that takes place each and every day within your soul. But reflect upon it in the truth of this Gospel passage. The battle is easily won. Invite Christ the Light, and His Divine Presence will quickly and easily replace any darkness within.
Lord, Jesus, You are the Light Who dispels all darkness. You are the Eternal Word Who answers every question in life. I invite You into my life this day so that Your Divine Presence may fill me, consume me and lead me down the path toward eternal joys. Jesus, I trust in You.
 
Dec 31, 2022 Seventh Day in the Octave of Christmas, December 31
Introductory Prayer:  Jesus, I believe that you are the Word come into the world. I know you speak to me of the Father, of his truth and love. I know that I can trust you to bring me to the Father. In spite of the smallness of my heart, you come in search of me. Thank you for coming to look for me.
Petition: Help me look for you more today, Lord.
1. He Came to His Own: Our God came looking for us. “It is not that we have loved God, but that he has first loved us” (Cf. 1 John 4:10). What is it that so attracts God to us? The Bible uses images of the love of a spouse or a parent to help us understand how deeply God desires to make us his own. He knows that this is where our true happiness lies. Often, he looks for man in mysterious ways, but in Jesus Christ, he plainly shows himself and his desire to be with us. Do I appreciate the gift of the Incarnation? Do I understand a bit better each day how humbly and powerfully God looks for my love?
2. Born of God: Our transformation into Christ is a gift. God offers us this gift, and if we are open to it, he deeply changes our relationship with him. Through Christ, we have the confidence to come before the Father and call him our “Father,” not just our “Creator.” Through Christ, we have the power to lay aside sin and put on the holiness of God. Through Christ we have the possibility of leaving a mark on the history of salvation, helping to bring his Good News to the world. This comes from God’s goodness and mercy. Do I appreciate the gift of my divine adoption? Do I try to live as a new man or woman, born of the Spirit?
3. Full of Grace and Truth: Jesus Christ shows us what it is to be truly human. The power and beauty of his life, the unselfishness of his total love, help us see the heights to which we are called. He shows us that it is possible to be holy. He leads the way; we have only to follow in his footsteps. With him, we can be confident that the good we have done in our lives will last forever. Do I let myself fall in love with Christ each day? Am I fascinated with him to the level that I discover something new in him each day? Can I say that each day he wins me more and more for his cause?
Conversation with Christ: Lord, thank you for coming to look for me. Today I want to look for you, too. Help me to discover you in faith. Help me to see the signs of your presence in the Church, the sacraments, and the good you sow in those around me. Give me new ears and an open heart to listen to your Word, and to welcome you into my life.
Resolution: Today I will speak with someone about Jesus’ love for us as demonstrated through his Incarnation
 
Reflection Dec 31, 2021
Opening Prayer: On this last day of the calendar year, help me, Lord, to drink deeply from your word. I am blessed to be closing this year with you at my side.
Encountering Christ:
1. In the Beginning: How beautiful that Mother Church provides these first words of John’s Gospel, so timeless and deep, to help us reflect on the awesome nature of God as we close out another calendar year. In the beginning–before any of our days were numbered, before human beings existed before God separated light from darkness (Genesis 1: 3-4)–Our Lord is. In our world, time passes, we grow old, and everything is in flux, so we draw consolation from the truth that God never changes. He loved us just as much before the world was created as he does today, and will for all eternity. How blessed we are, mere creatures, to be so beloved by the Creator of all!
2. Divine Filiation: Lest we settle for being mere creatures, John reminds us that we have “been given the power to become children of God.” We are required only to accept him, to believe in his name, and to be born “not by natural generation nor by human choice nor by a man’s decision but of God.” Our divine filiation merits us unique spiritual gifts and graces from the moment of our baptism to our final breath. For our part, we honor our God with love and obedience, desiring with our whole heart this most intimate relationship. Our inheritance as children of God is nothing less than Heaven, tastes of which we can savor right here and now.
3. John—the Greatest: John the Baptist was called by Jesus the greatest man born of a woman (Matthew 11:11), as the bridge between the Old and New Testaments, the person entrusted with preparing the way for the coming of the Messiah, and the prophet who was honored to proclaim Jesus “Lamb of God” at his baptism. John’s mission was lofty, of eternal significance. To be appointed by God to such a position in salvation history would be daunting. Yet, in the economy of salvation, each of us has an important and unrepeatable role to play. We probably don’t dress in hair shirts or eat locusts, but we are nevertheless called to witness to our faith in uncomfortable ways. As this year winds down, let’s reflect on the witness we have given and look ahead, begging God to make his will known in the new year.
Conversing with Christ: Lord, I am overwhelmed by your love and concern for me. I feel very little when I think of the grand scheme of things. I am grateful to be your creature but even more incredulous that you call me son/daughter. Please bless me so that I can follow your will and one day join you in Heaven.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I will pray a prayer of self-offering in anticipation of the new year.
 
Suy Niệm Tin Mừng Ngày thứ Sáu trong Tuần Bát Nhạt Giáng Sinh (31/12)
Ba trăm sáu mươi sáu ngày hay 365 trong một năm, Chúa Giêsu đã luôn hiến dâng chính mình Ngài cho chúng ta trong Bí Tích Thánh Thể. Lời đã hóa thành nhục thể và Ngài đã tự mình hiến dâng chính mình lên Thiên Chúa Cha để làm của Lễ Hy Sinh trong sự yêu thương. Ngài đã sẵn sàng hiến dâng chính Ngài cho chúng ta nếu như chúng ta muốn Ngài. Đối với chúng ta, là những người con riêng của Ngài, Ngài đã đến.
            Trong ngày cuối cùng của một năm, chúng ta hãy quét dọn tẩy rửa tâm hồn  và lấy đi tất cả những  rác rới trong linh hồn đã thải ra trong  cả một năm. Chúng ta hãy hoàn tất những việc làm dang dở của chúng ta. Chúng ta hãy ăn năn và xưng ra tất cả những tội lỗi của chúng ta để làm hoà với Thiên Chúa. Và chúng ta cũng hãy tha thứ và hòa giải với tất cả những ai đã phạm lỗi và phản nghịch lại chúng ta. Chúng ta hãy đáp lại những lời mọi gọi của Thiên Chúa. Chúng ta không nên đợi cho đến năm tới để xin nhận những ân sủng của năm nay.
            Chúng ta không nên để những hành trang  (tham vọng, tội lỗi) trong những năm vừa qua làm khó khăn hơn cho chúng ta để đáp ứng những thử thách của những năm kế tiếp. Khi Chúa Giêsu chịu chết trên Thập Giá, Ngài nói: "Mọi sự đã hoàn tất." Chúa Giêsu đã vinh danh Chúa Cha bằng cách hoàn thành các công việc mà Chúa Cha đã trao phó cho Ngài làm. Thánh Phaolô cũng đã cầu nguyện: "Nhưng mạng sống tôi, tôi kể như không đáng nói tới, miễn sao tôi hoàn tất vận nghiệp của tôi, và công việc phục vụ tôi đã lĩnh nơi Chúa Giêsu, đoan chứng giảng Tin Mừng về ân sủng của Thiên Chúa.” (Act 20:24).
            Chúa hoàn tất những gì Ngài đã bắt đầu cho chúng ta. Chúng ta hãy để Ngài kết thúc năm nay với sự bình an của Ngài đang ngự trị trong trái tim của chúng ta.
            "Lạy Thiên Chúa Toàn Năng, là Cha của sự sáng, Ngôi Lời vĩnh cửu của Chúa đã nhảy xuống từ Trời trong sự im lặng của màn đêm. Xin Chúa hãy mở rộng tâm hồn và trái tim của chúng con, để chúng con có thể nhận ra được cuộc sống của Ngài và mở mắt của chúng con cho thấy rõi sự sáng chói của bình minh, để cuộc sống của chúng con được tràn đầy vinh quang và hòa bình của Chúa. "
 
REFLECTION
Three hundred and sixty-six days this year, Jesus offered himself to us in the Eucharist. The Word became flesh and he made himself lovingly available in case we wanted him. To us, who are "His own, He came."
On this last day of the year, let us take out all the garbage of all the years. Let us finish any unfinished business. Let us repent and confess all our sins. Let us forgive all who have sinned against us. Let us be reconciled with those who have something against us. Let us answer every calling from God. Let us not wait till next year to accept the graces of this year.
            We don't want the baggage of past years to make it more difficult for us to meet the challenges of next year. When Jesus died, He said: "It is finished." Jesus gave glory to the Father by finishing the work the Father gave him to do. Paul prayed: "I put no value on my life if only I can finish my race and complete the service to which I have been assigned by the Lord Jesus." The Lord finishes what He starts. Let Him finish up the year today with His peace reigning in our hearts.
 
December 31st.
Opening Prayer: Holy Spirit, open my eyes to recognize the light that Jesus brings with his incarnation. Prepare my heart to contemplate the central mystery of my faith with greater love and gratitude today. 
Encountering Christ: 
1. The Greatest Mystery: St. John started his Gospel account by drawing us into the meaning of the mystery of the Incarnation. Let us pause and contemplate with awe and adoration. Who is this Jesus, this baby who was just born in Bethlehem? He is the light that existed from the beginning, the Word God spoke as he said, “Let there be light” (Genesis 1:3). He is the coeternal life that gives life to everything that exists. He is the fullness of glory, and does not depend on any creature. And after sin came into the world, his eternal love and mercy did not want humanity to dwell in darkness. In the greatest act of love ever told, he took on human nature and “made his dwelling among us” (John 1:14). He came to give us the gift of being God’s sons and daughters, the gift of grace. He came to reveal the Father. What an amazing mystery of love. 
2. The Gift of a Father: The Gospel passage mentions that  God gave those who accepted Jesus as the light “the power to become children of God” (John 1:12). Jesus came to reveal that God wants us to be his adopted sons and daughters, born not only from natural generation, but by God’s choice. We receive this gift at our baptism, and we strengthen it through the sacraments and a life of prayer. How many times do we walk through life as orphans, allowing the lies of the enemy to make us believe that we are alone, that there is no one to guide us, that everything is up to us? As we contemplate the love of God in the incarnation, let us stop and remember God’s presence as a Father and turn to him with the confidence of the children of God, as Jesus taught us.
3. Accepting the Gift: As he was describing the gift of the Word of God made man out of love for us, St. John the Evangelist also mentioned that “the world did not know him” and “his own people did not accept him” (John 1:11). We know that God created us free, and we are free to accept his gift or to reject it. There are many times in our lives when we reject the gift Jesus has come to give us, and we opt to put other things before God. We believe in those moments that happiness will come from material things: money, power, fame, worldly pleasures, or comfort. We doubt that we can trust God with our happiness, and we try to secure it ourselves. Can we decide today to accept the gift of peace that surpassses all understanding which Jesus came to bring us through his incarnation this Christmas?
Conversing with Christ: Lord Jesus, thank you for revealing the Father to us. Thank you for the gift of grace and peace you brought through your incarnation. Thank you for becoming a man like us to show us the way. I want to accept your gifts in my life.
Resolution: Lord, today by your grace I want to strengthen my spiritual life by making a good examination of conscience and preparing myself to go to confession during this Christmas season.